Make your own simple syrup

Learn how to make your own simple syrup to have on hand for cocktails, baking or sweetening iced tea.

Simple syrup is indeed simple, but it adds a level of complexity to a drink.
(Photo: Lyudmila Mikhailovskaya/Shutterstock)

Some culinary methods are very easy, like making simple syrup. Yet, at one point, I had to look up the instructions. Once I discovered how easy it was to make, I can make a batch of it and keep it in the refrigerator.

Directions for how to make simple syrup

Measure out equal parts water and white sugar. If you’re using one cup of water, use one cup of sugar. (This is known as 1:1 simple syrup.)

Place water and sugar in a small pot.

Turn the stove on high.

Bring water to a boil. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Allow to cool.

Couldn’t be easier, right?

Store the simple syrup in the refrigerator in a glass jar with a lid. It should keep for several weeks. If the syrup starts to get cloudy, develops mold on top, or smells funny, discard it.

I was happy I had simple syrup in my refrigerator earlier this week on Labor Day. It rained all day, and instead of our usual barbeque at the local pool with all our friends, we found ourselves sitting around in our pj’s until well after noon. At about 3 p.m., my husband and I decided to make some food, and I created this cocktail to go along with our mid-afternoon bruncher (that’s what my son called it — brunch and dinner combined).